Heaters: Keep your heater on a flat, level surface and away from any combustible materials.Use a mesh screen to prevent sparks and wood from falling out. Fireplaces: Ensure that your chimney is clean and well-ventilated before lighting a fire.Keep lighters and matches out of reach of children.

Candles: Never leave candles unattended and keep them away from combustible materials.

Familiarise yourself with the 'daisy wheel' date, which indicates when the bottle was made. Always cover it with a fitted cover or wrap, and never place it directly on your skin.

Hot water bottles: Use hot tap water, not boiling water, to fill up your hot water bottle.

Always turn it off before going to sleep and avoid placing any heavy objects on top of it.

Electric blankets: Check your electric blanket for frayed cords and worn-out wires.

Test it regularly and change batteries every year.

Smoke alarms: Replace your smoke alarm if it's been more than 10 years since installation.

Families should be vigilant with “winter warmers” such as electric blankets, heaters, hot water bottles, wheat/heat packs and fireplaces, and aware of safety risks associated these items.

Free printable winter quotes